Category: GTT Atlantic Canada

CCB-GTT Meetings, September 2026 via Zoom

You are invited to the CCB’s GTT Zoom meetings, where we focus on the technology needs and concerns of Canadians who are blind or have low vision.  The calls will take place over the accessible Zoom Conference system, which will allow participants to dial in using their landline phones, smartphones, or computers.  You will find the Zoom link and phone numbers below the meeting listings. Please pay special attention to the “(NOTE)” notation after some of the meeting listings.

How to Join Meetings:

All calls listed below, with the exception of the CCB-GTT Android Group, can be accessed via the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688?pwd=N01yeERXQk4rWnhvNCtHTzZwdXcwQT09

(Information on other options for joining the calls are located towards the end of this document)

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Mondays

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CCB-GTT MONDAY OPEN CHAT

Monday, September  14, 21 & 28, 2026

1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Host: Nolan Jenikov & David Greene

Join us each Monday as we discuss and share the tech topics of greatest interest and concern within our community. Come and ask your questions, network with others and share your knowledge and tips.

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CCB-GTT SMALL GROUP WORKSHOPS, VoiceOver Deep Dive, continued

Monday, September  14, 21 & 28, 2026

(NOTE NEW START TIME) 2:15 PM Eastern/11:15 AM Pacific:

Instructors: David Greene and Nolan Jenikov

Description: Welcome to VoiceOver Deep Dive! These sessions are a relaxed, interactive space for VoiceOver users to dive deeper into existing apps. Bring your questions, and let’s learn together with live demos and tips!

(NOTE): Maximum of 10 participants per class. Register by emailing david.gtt@ccbnational.net or,Nolan.gtt@ccbnational.net

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Tuesdays

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CCB-GTT SMALL GROUP WORKSHOPS, All things Windows

Tuesday, September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2026

1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Instructors: David Greene and Nolan Jenikov

This group will focus on the Windows operating system using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook and navigating Windows in general.

(NOTE):  Registration required. This group is limited to a maximum of 10 persons. To register, email david.gtt@ccbnational.net

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CCB-GTT NORTHERN ONTARIO AND RURAL CALL

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific:

Facilitators:  Dorothy Macnaughton and Brian Bibeault

The topic will be GPS apps and will include new apps and ones that can be used
with Meta glasses.  Brian has a new one he will be speaking about, and
other apps will be discussed by those who attend the meeting. Everyone
across Canada is welcome.

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Wednesdays

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CCB-GTT APPS and TAPS LECTURE with Michael Feir

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Host: Kim Kilpatrick

Presenter: Michael Feir

Description: The Apps and Taps lecture series is designed for people who want to continue learning about how to make the most of their iPhones while totally blind. While it doesn’t require people to have participated in the Unseen Touchscreen course, it assumes that participants have a basic working knowledge of how to use VoiceOver and the iOS operating system. Lectures of the Unseen Touchscreen course remain available in the CCB podcast if needed.

In the Apps and Taps lecture series, we will dive deeply into various settings and concepts in the iOS operating system. One priority will be discussing new capabilities and changes which emerge in iOS, such as the arrival of Apple Intelligence. We will also go on deep dives into how to use a wide range of apps which are accessible using VoiceOver. These apps may be made by Apple and come on your iPhone. They may also be developed by third-party developers and be available from the App Store.

Similar to the format used for the Unseen Touchscreen course, there will be two sessions per month. The first session will typically occur on the first Wednesday of the month. It will consist of a lecture which will be recorded for inclusion in the CCB podcast. Those who attend the lecture will be able to ask questions after the lecture is recorded, if time permits. The second session will typically be held on the third Wednesday of the month and will not be recorded. It will be an opportunity to ask any questions related to that month’s lecture or any other topic related to using iPhones from a blindness perspective. This will hopefully make certain that people get help and ideas from fellow iPhone users with whatever their current issues or areas of curiosity might be. It will also be a chance to learn about any newly discovered accessible apps.

You are invited to check out the third edition of Michael Feir’s free e-book, Personal Power: Getting the Most From iOS as a Totally Blind User. This book can be downloaded in several formats from: https://michaelfeir.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-third-edition-of-personal-power.html

People who have trouble downloading the book in the format of their choice should email Michael directly at: Michael.feir@gmail.com

Mastodon: @mfeir@mstdn.social
Check out his blog at: http://www.michaelfeir.blogspot.ca

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CCB-GTT BACK TO BASICS CALL

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Host: Kim Kilpatrick

In this group, any and all questions are welcome! Individuals new to technology are encouraged to participate. Today’s topic: let’s catch up on issues and concerns you may have encountered over the summer.

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CCB-GTT APPS and TAPS Q & A with  Michael Feir 

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Host: David Greene

Presenter: Michael Feir

Join Michael for his Apps and Tapps Q&A session. Come with all of your questions about iDevices and Voiceover.

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CCB-GTT ANDROID USERS GROUP

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

7:00 PM Eastern/4:00 PM Pacific:

Hosts: Tracy Mousseau and Matthew Lorentz

Tracy and Matthew have put this group together to share their experiences navigating Android devices. We welcome the input from users of all experience levels so we can learn together. Please make sure your device on which you will be signing into the Zoom meeting, has your proper name, so the host will recognize you and let you into the meeting.

(NOTE): Registration required. A different Zoom room is used. Details are given to those who register. Email: aaug.canada@gmail.com

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Thursdays

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CCB-GTT MAC USERS GROUP

Thursday, September 3, 2026

2:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 AM Pacific

Hosts/Presenters: Kim Kilpatrick and Wayne Antle

This group is for people who are using Mac computers. The room opens at 1:30 Eastern to give anyone who needs it, some extra help before the meeting starts.

(NOTE): Registration is required. Please e-mail gtt@ccbnational.net

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CCB-GTT BRAILLE DISPLAY USERS GROUP

Thursday, September 10 & 24, 2026

2:00 PM Eastern/11:00 AM Pacific:

Host: Kim Kilpatrick

Topic: A variety of presentations and time for general Q and A.

If you are using an electronic Braille display, come join us to ask questions, share tips and tricks, and get the most use out of your device.

(NOTE): Registration required. Please e-mail: gtt@ccbnational.net

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CCB-GTT ATLANTIC CALL

Thursday, September 24, 2026

8:00 PM Atlantic/8:30 PM NST:

Host: David Greene

This group has a strong focus on tech support and socialization. If you don’t live in Atlantic Canada but have a connection with that region, for example, if you went to the Halifax School for the blind, you are welcome to join us. Registration required. To register and/or for more information, please e-mail David.gtt@ccbnational.net

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Fridays

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CCB-GTT FRIDAY OPEN TECH CHAT

Friday, September 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2026

1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific:

Hosts: Shelley Morris, David Greene and Nolan Jenikov

Join us each Friday as we discuss and share the tech topics of greatest interest and concern within our community. Come and ask your questions, network with others, and share your knowledge and tips.

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CCB-GTT SMALL GROUP WORKSHOP, Setting up a new Iphone

Friday, September 11, 18 & 25, 2026

11:00 AM Eastern/8:00 AM Pacific:

Instructors: David Greene and Nolan Jenikov

Topic:. We will explore the nine basic settings that will make your iPhone work
well for you.

(NOTE): Maximum of 15 participants per class; register by emailing david.gtt@ccbnational.net or,Nolan.gtt@ccbnational.net . You will receive a tutorial in MS Word format after signing up.

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Additional Resources:

CCB-GTT PODCASTS

You can subscribe to the CCB Podcast feed by searching for CCB/Canadian Council of the Blind Podcast on the Victor Reader Stream, or your favourite smart device Pod Catcher. You can use this link to the originating distribution source. https://ccbpod.podbean.com/

New, #153, Unseen Touch Screen Course, podcast, Session 40 with Michael Feir

(NOTE):  Apps and Tapps lecture 1, podcast with Michael Feir, will be available on or before September 4th. 2026.

CCB-GTT TECH SUPPORT LIST

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians. To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to: GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

You will get an email back from the list asking you to confirm your subscription. Simply reply to that email, and you are subscribed. You will then receive a second email welcoming you to the list and describing how to use it. You are then ready to post your technology questions and/or answers to the list.

For more information, visit: https://groups.io/g/GTTsupport

CCB-GTT BUY, SELL, TRADE OR DONATE LIST

This is a Canadian Group for blind, partially sighted and deaf-blind folks to buy, sell, trade or donate previously enjoyed assistive technology.

To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to: main+subscribe@CCB-Tech-BuySellTrade.groups.io

(The list will serve as a connection venue only, and the CCB will assume no responsibility for the quality of goods or the value of the transaction(s) between two people, or a person and a company.)

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How to Join Meetings:

You can participate by phone or Internet from wherever you are: All calls listed above, with the exception of the CCB GTT Android Group can be accessed via the following link:

https://zoom.us/j/9839595688?pwd=N01yeERXQk4rWnhvNCtHTzZwdXcwQT09

 

Meeting ID: 983 959 5688

Password: 320119

 

Alberta One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+15873281099,9839595688#

BC One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+17789072071,9839595688#

Manitoba One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+12045151268,9839595688#

Montreal One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+14388097799,9839595688#

Toronto One tap mobile for Smart Phones:

+16473744685,9839595688#

 Direct Dial:

Alberta: +1 587 328 1099

BC: +1 778 907 2071

Manitoba: +1 204 515 1268

Montreal: +1 438 809 7799

Toronto: +1 647 374 4685

CONTACT US:

Corry Stuive, CCB National Program Coordinator

corry.gtt@ccbnational.net 

1-877-304-0968 Ext 550

 

David Greene, CCB GTT Accessibility Trainer

david.gtt@ccbnational.net

1-877-304-0968 Ext 509

 

Nolan Jenikov

nolan.gtt@ccbnational.net

1-877-304-0968

GTT Atlantic Canada Conference Call Summary Notes, Accessible Low Tech Household Items, April 18, 2018

Get Together with Technology (GTT) Atlantic Canada

An Initiative of the Canadian Council of the Blind

Summary Notes

April 18, 2018

 

Attendance by teleconference: 11 people.

 

Theme: Accessible Low Tech Household Items

The topic was accessible low tech household items used for independence, daily living, hobbies and recreation.  Some of the devices used are, talking bathroom and kitchen weigh scales, timers, liquid level indicators, stacking measuring cups and spoons.

 

Some strategies discussed were, Fil the tea pot then pour into the kettle that way just enough water to fill the tea pot will be available to pour once it’s hot.

 

Other strategies were, Use jigs for woodworking, sticks cut to length for measuring and talking measuring tapes.

 

Some discussed the use of recipes where they write them in large print and/or they use a magnifier.  Today some are using devices like the Google Home for accessing recipes, conversions and timers.

 

Participants talked about devices like, stand-alone banknote readers and apps on their smart phones, as well as talking clocks, talking colour id and light detectors.

 

A discussion ensued regarding strategies for remembering phone numbers, which lead to the computer and smart phones being used to store and retrieve them.

 

We talked about the many resources available for learning the iPhone/Android smart phone.  Many tutorials are available for free online, as well as textbooks that can be purchased from a variety of sources.  For suggestions contact Kim Kilpatrick or Albert Ruel through the CCB National Office.

 

Some on the call indicated that Flip phones aren’t so good at receiving signals any more and are largely inaccessible.

 

Someone asked about the Google Home or Amazon Echo, are these things available to ADP programs? The answer was no as far as we understand it.  In BC a case might be made for some of these devices to be funded by Technology@Work if they were shown to remove barriers to employment.

 

A discussion was undertaken about application to CPP Disability, and the recommendation was to seek the support of a local advocate if denied access, or before applying.

 

Rachel told us about the upcoming CNIB internship program, and other employment related programs. It was acknowledged that even with Degrees it’s challenging to secure work against others with similar degrees and sight.

 

Going forward CNIB will increase its support of career and employment services, as well as assistive technology supports.

 

Someone asked about Apple disability support, so here is the list of the most used tech support lines:

For those who use access technology with the below noted systems, apps and devices, you may access free technical support by contacting Apple, Microsoft and Google using these toll free numbers/email address.

 

  1. Apple Accessibility Support

1-877-204-3930

 

  1. Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

1-800-936-5900

 

  1. Google Disability Support:

disability-support-external@google.com

1-855-971-9121

 

  1. Freedom Scientific

Toll Free Number: 1-800-444-4443

Support@VFO.com

 

Next meeting:

May 23, 2018 and focus on Apple accessibility.

 

GTT Atlantic Canada Conference Call Group Overview

  • GTT Atlantic Canada is a group of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Atlantic Canada promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with their assistive technology needs.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, and questions and answers about technology.
  • Participants are encouraged to attend each meeting even if they are not interested in the feature topic because questions on any technology are welcome. The more participants the better able we will be equipped with the talent and experience to help each other.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTT Email Support List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

[End of Document]

 

 

GTT Prince Edward Island Summary Notes, What is GTT and Brainstorming Session, February 28, 2018

GTT Prince Edward Island Conference Call Meeting

 

Sponsored by the Canadian Council of the Blind

 

Summary Notes

February 28, 2018

 

The first GTT  Prince Edward Island Provincial Conference Call meeting was held on February 28, 2018 starting at 7:00 PM PEI Time.

Attendance: 9 people attended this first brainstorming meeting.  Jude, Sandra, Stella, Serge, Nicholas, Irene, Brian, Phil and Albert.

 

Theme: Outline of what GTT is, and Brainstorming for future meeting topics

 

  • Albert Ruel, GTT Coordinator from CCB attended in order to introduce the participants to CCB’s Assistive Technology programs, especially the Get Together with Technology initiative (GTT) that Kim Kilpatrick started in Ottawa in 2011 with Ellen Goodman.
  • Brian Bibeault from the North Bay CCB Chapter and the Northern Ontario Conference Call GTT also attended, and they both talked about a variety of assistive Technology and their relative accessibility features.
  • The 9 participants were very engaged as they were lead through a discussion about the apps and devices currently being used, and what else might be available to support ongoing learning and support. We discussed the cost of screen readers like JAWS, and how it compares with the free screen reader called NVDA.  The differences between the range of talking book players produced by Humanware was discussed, with more to be talked about next month.  The topic of smart phones was also brought up, with more detailed discussions to follow during subsequent meetings.  Some educational resources were mentioned, like Hadley Institute and tutorials from Freedom Scientific.  Finally, the following contacts for tech support were shared: Apple Accessibility Support 1-877-204-3930; Microsoft Disability Answer Desk 1-800-936-5900; Google Disability Support, no phone number available: disability-support-external@google.com
    • The potential of inviting all blind and low vision people from the 4 Atlantic Provinces was discussed and the group was open to trying it out for a while to gage the level of interest in the region. If a GTT Atlantic Canada group eventually becomes too large we will be able to break it up into smaller Provincial groups then.
    • Before closing the meeting the group was asked to come up with a topic for the next, and subsequent meetings. So far, March will see a brief demo of and discussion about the features and benefits of the new generation VR Stream talking book player.  For April Sandra wants to have a demo of how to access websites using screen readers and magnification software.  As the Newfoundland group had requested a discussion on smart phones and the like, that too will be placed on the upcoming agendas.

 

Next meeting: Wed, March 28, 2018, 7:00 PM PEI Time.

Theme: VR Stream talking book device and smart phone technology.  This will be a basic introductory discussion on the features and benefits of using dedicated talking book devices like the VR Stream, versus the features of smart phone technology for our access to information needs.

 

GTT Atlantic Canada Conference Call Group Overview

  • GTT Atlantic Canada is a group of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).
  • GTT Atlantic Canada promotes a self-help learning experience by holding monthly meetings to assist participants with their assistive technology needs.
  • Each meeting consists of a feature technology topic, and questions and answers about technology.
  • Participants are encouraged to attend each meeting even if they are not interested in the feature topic because questions on any technology are welcome. The more participants the better able we will be equipped with the talent and experience to help each other.
  • There are GTT groups across Canada as well as a national GTT monthly toll free teleconference. You may subscribe to the National GTT blog to get email notices of teleconferences and notes from other GTT chapters. Visit:

http://www.gttprogram.wordpress.com/

There is a form at the bottom of that web page to enter your email.

 

National GTT Email Support List

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind and low vision Canadians.  To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io

 

[End of Document]